It's understandable why backers of the Michigan Wolverines would be in a state of uproar after the way the 2013 season ended. Losing six of the last eight games, including a heartbreaking defeat to archrival Ohio State on an intercepted two-point conversion attempt that would have won the game, is enough to stretch thin the patience of any fan base. It was enough to cause Dave Brandon, Michigan's athletic director, to dispel rumors that head coach Brady Hoke was on the proverbial hot seat.This may have clarified Hoke's job status but for those who still think he should be on the hot seat, they should take a step back and view the coach's tenure in proper context. After all, there are many reasons to think the Maize and Blue program is still on an upward trajectory under Hoke.

Let's start by providing a bit of perspective on the decline over the second half of the 2013 campaign. Michigan's six losses occurred against teams that finished last season with a combined 57-22 record and four of those defeats were by a total of 11 points. The bowl loss happened with a true freshman quarterback (Shane Morris) making his first start.